Florida travel calendar for February

Feb. 7-March 21: Carnaval Miami, Miami area. Largest Hispanic festival in the nation, with a variety of events including a beauty contest, footrace, art and jazz performances, cooking contest, domino and golf tournaments, and Calle Ocho, the world's largest street party, which takes place on...

Feb. 7-April 15: Universal Studios Mardi Gras, Orlando. Take the best traditions of The Big Easy, an amazing concert line-up, and all the excitement of Universal Studios Florida, and you've got the makings of the biggest party in Florida. Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras is sixteen nights of...

Feb. 7-April 15: Universal Studios Mardi Gras, Orlando. Take the best traditions of The Big Easy, an amazing concert line-up, and all the excitement of Universal Studios Florida, and you've got the makings of the biggest party in Florida. Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras is sixteen nights of... (KEVIN KOLCZYNSKI, UNIVERSAL ORLANDO)

Feb. 7: First Saturday Jam, Barberville. On the first Saturday each month visit the Pioneer Settlement for entertainment and fun for the entire family. 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Includes informal music jams, free workshops, a chili cook-off, yard sale. Admission is free. 386-749-2959. www.pioneersettlement.org

Feb. 7: DeLand Craft Beer Festival, DeLand. This is the perfect opportunity for beer aficionados, beer lovers and the casual beer drinker to learn more about their favorite brews and discover new ones. There will be more than 100 breweries represented, including more than 25 Florida breweries, rare and vintage beers, casks, a cider corner and select imports. Educational breakout sessions during the festival will be hosted by industry professionals. www.volusiabeerweek.com

Feb. 7-8: The Mount Dora Arts Festival, Mount Dora. Art lovers, rejoice! The Mount Dora Arts Festival, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2015 showcases the works of 285 juried artists on Feb. 7-8. During the event at this charming hillside town in Central Florida, artists compete for awards in painting, printmaking, photography, jewelry, sculpture and numerous other categories. The art displays are combined with live entertainment and children's activities. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Admission is free. For more information, call the Mount Dora Center for the Arts at 352-383-0880. The Mount Dora Center for the Arts is at 138 East Fifth Avenue. For details on travel to Mount Dora including lodging, dining, shopping and attractions information, log on to the site of the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce at www.mountdora.com

Feb. 7-8: The Great American Songbook with Jeff Shadley, Melbourne. Superstar entertainer, Jeff Shadley will join the the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Orchestra on Saturday, Feb. 7 and Feb. 8 to celebrate the Great American Songbook. Featuring classics by George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer, Jimmy Van Heusen, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra, this concert promises to be a treat you won't want to miss! 7 p.m. 5625 Holy Trinity Drive, 32940. www.spacecoastsymphony.org

Feb. 7-April 15: Universal Studios Mardi Gras, Orlando. Take the best traditions of The Big Easy, an amazing concert line-up, and all the excitement of Universal Studios Florida, and you’ve got the makings of the biggest party in Florida. Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras is sixteen nights of toe-tapping music, sizzling Cajun and Creole cuisine, and beads by the handful. Each night features one of the biggest names in music live in concert, a dazzling parade, outrageous street performers, and more. Included with Universal Studios ticket or annual pass. 407-363-8000. www.universalorlando.com

Feb. 13: Friday Family Fest, Melbourne. Held the second Friday of the month in Historic Downtown, it's a family-oriented event that includes art, craft and business vendors, lots of great food, beer and wine and a Kids Zone. Highland Avenue, Melbourne FL 32922. Free. 321-724-1741. www.downtownmelbourne.com

Feb. 13-15: Wine Fest XXV, Clermont. Arts and crafts, complimentary winery tours, tasting and live music are part of the fun during Wine Fest XXIV at the Lakeridge Winery on Feb. 13-15. Food and wine will be available for purchase. A $2 donation will be accepted at the gate to benefit a local charity. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The winery is at 19239 Highway 27 North. For details, visit www.lakeridgewinery.com

Feb. 13-14: Olustee Festival & Re-enactment, Olustee/Lake City. The annual Olustee Festival & Re-enactment, on Feb. 13-14 features a re-enactment of the largest Civil War Battle in Florida with hundreds of re-enactors and an arts and crafts show. The re-enactment takes place at the Olustee Battlefield State Park. The craft fair is on Marion Street in Downtown Lake City. www.olusteefestival.com

Feb. 14: Indie-Folkfest, Orlando. The Orlando Folk Festival celebrates art, music and traditional crafts on Feb. 14. The event, on the grounds of the Mennello Museum of American Art at Loch Haven Park, nestled between three lakes and home to a variety of museums and cultural institutions, has free admission. Loch Haven Park is at 900 East Princeton Street. orlandofolkfestival.wordpress.com

Feb. 14-22: Budweiser Speedweeks, Daytona Beach. Vroom! Vroom! The Daytona International Speedway sets the scene for the Budweiser Speedweeks on Feb. 14-22. This NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event is highlighted by a variety of races, such as the Sprint Unlimited on Feb. 14, with tickets ranging from $50 to $101; and the Budweiser Duel At Daytona on Feb. 19, with tickets ranging from $49 to $125. The event culminates in the annual Daytona 500, often called “The Great American Race,” on Feb. 22. Tickets for the Daytona 500 range from $32 to $230. Travel packages are available. www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com

Feb. 14-28:Praise Wave Christian music festival, Orlando. Experience a day of fellowship and fun at SeaWorld Orlando’s new Praise Wave Christian music festival this month. Each Saturday on February 14, 21 and 28, guests can enjoy live performances by the hottest names in Christian music, celebrate in an atmosphere filled with Christian friendship (and good food) and -- of course -- enjoy SeaWorld’s thrilling rides, shows and attractions. Praise Wave is included with park admission. Festivities begin at 1 p.m. each Saturday, with concerts starting at 4 p.m. at Bayside Stadium. seaworldparks.com

Feb. 20-22: The 134th Silver Spurs Rodeo of Champions, Kissimmee. The 134th Silver Spurs Rodeo of Champions attracts cowboys from the pro circuit to the Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola Heritage Park on Feb. 20-22. The largest rodeo east of the Mississippi, it is rated one of the top 50 events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Tickets are $20, children 10 and under are $12, 5 and under are free. The arena is at 1875 Silver Spur Lane. Visit www.silverspursrodeo.com

Feb. 22: Daytona 500, Daytona. The best stock car drivers in the world compete in "The Great American Race," NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious event. 800-PIT-STOP. www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/

Feb. 27: 4th Fridays in Artisan Alley & DeLand Art Walk, DeLand. Gather with friends every fourth Friday of the month at Artisan Alley and also enjoy the DeLand Art Walk. DeLand Art Walk is a free, self-guided tour of the Historic Downtown area. Enjoy music, food, drinks, arts, crafts and more. Art galleries, museums, cultural venues, restaurants and boutiques host artists within their businesses on the fourth Friday of every month, rain or shine. Look for an official Art Walk banner in the front of each stop to identify the participating venues. Choose your own route, or begin from Museum of Florida Art. Downtown, 100 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand FL 32720. 6-9 p.m. 386-738-0649. fourthfridaydeland.com

Feb. 28 - March 1: The 49th Annual Grant Seafood Festival, Grant. The 49th Annual Grant Seafood Festival serves up the bounty ofthe sea on Feb. 28-March 1. In addition to delicacies from the sea, the festival features entertainment and crafts exhibits from more than100 artists at 4580 First Street. Festival hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. For information, visit www.grantseafoodfestival.com.

Feb. 5-16: Florida State Fair, Tampa Bay. Ready for some good old-fashioned fair fun? The annual Florida State Fair may be the ticket beginning on Feb. 5 and continuing for 12 days in a salute to the best of our state in agriculture, equestrian pursuits, industry, entertainment and achievement. On the agenda are shows, midway rides and games, exhibits, music and shopping as well as a variety of foods available for purchase. Admission to the fair is $9 for adults, and $5 for children ages 6-11 if you buy tickets online in advance. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free of charge every day. The Florida State Fair is held at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 Highway 301 North, where parking is free during the fair. For information, call 800-345-3247 or visit www.floridastatefair.com

Feb. 6-7: Celtic Family Jamboree, Brooksville. The Celtic Family Jamboree at the Sertoma Youth Ranch features Celtic music on Feb. 6-7. Celtic merchandise and jewelry will be available for purchase. Also planned are workshops on dance, drumming and dulcimer. The Sertoma Youth Ranch is on 85 Myers Road. Tickets are $30 for two days in advance; $35 at the gate. Kids 17 and under are free. www.celticheritageproductions.com

Feb. 7: Plant City Bike Fest, Plant City. Gather in Historic Downtown Plant City near Tampa with motorcycle owners and enthusiasts to celebrate Bike Fest the first Saturday of each month from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Held in an eight square block radius near the Plant City Train Depot at 102 N. Palmer St. Free admission; live entertainment and food vendors. 813-754-3707. www.plantcity.org

Feb. 14: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival, Tampa. Tampa serves up the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival on Feb. 14. On tap will be 60 beers, 40 bourbons and lots of barbecue. The event, at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, is from noon to 6 p.m. Ticket options include a ticket for the Regular Saturday session (2 p.m. to 6 p.m.) for $35 and a VIP ticket for the Bacon and Whole Hog Saturday session (noon to 6 p.m.) for $75. A Designated Driver ticket is $25. For details, visit www.beerandbourbon.com.

Feb. 14-15: 27th Annual Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts, Sarasota. The 27th Annual Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts showcases the work, including paintings photography, and sculptures, of local and national artists on Feb. 14-15. The event, on Main Street, is free. Festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. For details, visit www.escape-to-sarasota.com.

Feb. 14-15: Fort Foster Rendezvous, Hillsborough River State Park, Thonotosassa. This event is a living history reenactment featuring military, Seminole and civilian reenactors, sutlers, traders, and craft demonstrations. This weekend event will offer ongoing daily live firing demonstrations and a skirmish between the Seminoles and military after 1 pm both days. Admission is a $5 donation for adults and free for children 5 and younger. 813-987-6870. www.floridastateparks.org/

Feb. 16-22: 68th Annual Pasco County Fair, Dade City. The 68th Annual Pasco County Fair offers midway games and rides, exhibits, pageants and entertainment on Feb. 16-22. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children (kids ages 5 and under are free). The Pasco County Fairgrounds is located at 36722 State Road 52. www.pascocountyfair.com

Feb. 21: Ozello Chili Cook-Off & Craft Show, Crystal River. The Ozello Chili Cook-Off & Craft Show on Feb. 21 starts with the craft fair at 9 a.m. and continues with the chili competition at 11 a.m. Chili tasting or dinner is $5. Visitors can peruse artwork in the fair and listen to music with views of the saltwater marshes. The event, which is sponsored by the Ozello Civic Association, 14095 West Ozello Trail, ends at 4 p.m. www.ozello.net/OCAchiliCookoff&Craftshow.htm

Feb. 26 - March 1: Music on the Bay, Tampa. Music on the Bay is a Trop Rock festival presenting a lineup of more than 20 artists and bands on Feb. 26 - March 1. The event is at outdoor beach stage at Whiskey Joe’s Barefoot Beach Bar, 7720 West Courtney Campbell Causeway, next to the waters of Tampa Bay. Cost is $75 per person for the four-day event. www.musiconthebay.org

Feb. 28-March 1: 45th Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, Tampa. The 45th Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts showcases original creations at the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa on Feb. 28-March 1. Entertainment, children’s activities and a food court will be featured. Admission is free. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For details, visit www.gasparillaarts.com.

Jan. 31 - Feb. 1: Bonita Springs National Art Festival, Bonita Springs. This annual outdoor exhibition features more than 200 nationally and internationally acclaimed artists working in a variety of media. More than 200 national and international artists applied to exhibit and sell their works in paintings, glass, jewelry, clay works, photography, sculpture and more. Food and beverages will be available. At Promenade Center. Although there is no admission fee, Art League volunteers ask for an optional $5 donation for the Center for the Arts. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 239-992-1213 . www.artinusa.com/bonita

Feb. 7-8: ArtFest Fort Myers, Fort Myers. ArtFest Fort Myers features artwork, entertainment, high school art competition and children's activities in Downtown Fort Myers on the waterfront on Feb. 7-8. The event, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, is free. There's also a free Friday evening Opening Night party as well at Edwards Drive at Hendry Street in historic Downtown Fort Myers from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 6. For information, visit www.artfestfortmyers.com.

Feb. 13-15: Florida's Creative Coast Weekend, Pine Island. On the second weekend each month November-April, Pine Island businesses offer themed artistic events. Galleries and shops are open extended hours on Friday, many offering special openings. Take a cooking class, or listen to live music. Other special events and workshops are planned at individual shops on Saturday and Sunday. 239-283-4842. www.floridascreativecoast.com

Feb. 14-15: Rotary Club Arts and Crafts Fair, Sanibel Island. One hundred artists and thousands of visitors fill Sanibel Community Center for this 32nd annual event sponsored by Rotary Club of Sanibel-Captiva. 239-464-8195. www.sanibelartfair.com

Feb. 15: Edison Festival of Light Junior Events, Fort Myers. Edison Festival of Light's junior events kick off with a Junior Run downtown beginning at 1 p.m. Open to fifth-graders and younger, the race runs for one mile and less, depending on age group. Spectators attend free. The Junior Parade follows, beginning at 2:30 p.m. and features floats, bands and costumed troupes, in imitation of the Edison Grand Parade. Crowning of the Junior King and Queen winds up the afternoon at 4:30 p.m. for children 5-7 years old. There is a $5 entry fee for children participating in the run. Downtown. 239-334-2999. www.edisonfestival.org

Feb. 19: Downtown Gallery Walk, Punta Gorda. Held monthly on the third Thursday, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Visit any of the downtown merchants, restaurants and galleries for your game card. As always, there will be live entertainment, food and drink samplings, art, beauty and health demonstrations, a free trolley, and an evening of fun. Free; free parking. 941-505-1915. www.charlotteharbortravel.com

Feb. 20-22: Greek Fest Fort Myers, Ft. Myers. The tastes and sounds of Greece can be enjoyed during the annual Greek Fest Fort Myers on Feb. 20-22. Greek food, music and dances are on the festivals agenda at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 8210 Cypress Lake Drive. Admission is $5 for the weekend (children under 12 are free). Event hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For details, visit www.greekfestfortmyers.com.

Feb. 21: 10th Annual Punta Gorda Wine & Jazz Festival, Punta Gorda. Smooth sounds and happy taste buds will be the order of the day during the 10th Annual Punta Gorda Wine & Jazz Festival on Feb. 21. Featured artists include Mindi Abair, Nick Colionne, and Dave Koz. Admission prices is $65. . The fest is at Laishley Park on Nesbitt Street. www.puntagordachamber.com

Feb. 21-22: Swamp Cabbage Festival, LaBelle. Want to try gator tail and watch armadillo races and more?You may wish to head for LaBelle. This Southwest Florida town puts on its annual Swamp Cabbage Festival on Feb. 21-22. The festival, at the waterfront Barron Park, North State Road 29 at the Caloosahatchee River, is free. For information, visit www.floridarambler.com.

Feb. 26-March 8: Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair, North Fort Myers. Old-fashioned and fun, this fair offers midway rides, livestock exhibits, pig races, a petting farm, and entertainment ranging from a comic master hypnotist, clowns, family shows and local talent. On weekdays, the fun begins at 5 p.m. and doesn't shut down until around 11 p.m., except on Fridays, when Moonlight Madness runs until 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday hours are noon to midnight. Adult admission tickets cost $5 in advance. Admission price for children 6 to 11 is $3 in advance. Children under 5 are admitted free. Advance-purchase mega-passes allow holders admission and unlimited rides for any day of their choice for $25. 239-543-8368. fair.leeciviccenter.com/

Feb. 28: Ft. Myers Greek Fest , Ft. Myers. Everyone can be Greek, if only for a little while, during the Ft. Myers Greek Fest on Feb. 28-March 2. The event features Greek food, Greek dancing demonstrations, carnival rides and games and Greek music. Admission is $5 for the entire weekend (children under 12 are free). The festival is at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 8210 Cypress Lake Drive. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. www.greekfestfortmyers.com

Feb. 28: Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral.Cape Coral claims Florida's largest population of the Burrowing Owl, a species of special concern. This 13th annual festival is designed to educate the public about the owl and its preservation. Events from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. include a children's corner, butterfly tent, educational speakers, burrowing owl van tours, birding tours, native plant sales and exhibitor's displays. At Rotary Park Environmental Center. 239-549-4606. www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org

South Florida and the Keys (including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Key Largo, Key West and the Treasure Coast)

Feb. 1: SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch, Fort Lauderdale.Live outdoor concert series bringing the area's best local jazz artists to the city's scenic Riverwalk the first Sunday of each month. Listen to the soulful sounds on four different stages. Everyone is welcome to attend, including well-behaved, leashed pets, and there is ample room to set up chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. 954-828-5363. www.fortlauderdale.gov/events/jazzbrunch/jazzbrunch.htm

Feb. 1-2: 17th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival, Delray Beach. The 17th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival showcases original work by more than 100 local, regional and national artists on Feb. 1-2. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The show is at Atlantic Avenue and Fourth Avenue. www.artfestival.com

Feb. 6-8: Everglades Seafood Festival, Everglades City.The annual Everglades Seafood Festival serves up delicacies from the sea in historic Everglades City on Feb. 6-8. Live music, crafts and carnival games are also on the agenda. Food will be available for purchase. Admission is free. For details and directions, visit www.evergladesseafoodfestival.com

Feb. 6-8: Civil War Heritage Days Festival, Key West. The Last Key opens a window to the past during the annual Civil War Heritage Days Festival at the Civil War-era Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park on Feb. 6-8. Colorful Civil War re-enactments and the roar of cannon fire greet visitors during the event at the oceanfront park. Park admission fees are $6 per vehicle (2-8 people per vehicle), $2 per pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers; $4 for single occupancy vehicle or motorcycle; plus .50 per person Monroe County Surcharge. For details, visit floridastateparks.org/forttaylor.

Feb. 6-8: 16th Annual Garlic Fest, Delray Beach. The 16th Annual Garlic Fest, known affectionately as “the best stinkin’ party in town” explores the numerous culinary and health aspects of garlic on Feb. 6-8. Garlic Chef cooking competitions, music, a Gourmet Alley and children’s area are also on the festival’s agenda. Tickets are $20 on Friday (early admission); $10 on Saturday (early admission), and $10 on Sunday all day. Children 10 and under are free. www.dbgarlicfest.comFeb. 7-March 21: Carnaval Miami, Miami area.Largest Hispanic festival in the nation, with a variety of events including a beauty contest, footrace, art and jazz performances, cooking contest, domino and golf tournaments, and Calle Ocho, the world's largest street party, which takes place on March 15. 305-644-8888. www.carnavalmiami.com

Feb. 7-8: 21st Annual Pigeon Key Art Festival, Marathon.What started as a weekend gathering of local artists has grown into a nationally recognized art show. The festival features dozens of local and national artists and craftsmen in multiple categories. Live entertainment is scheduled both days, setting the mood for shopping, relaxing, and enjoying food and beverages from booths serving local delicacies. Admission is $7 per day. At Marathon Community Park, MM49. 305-289-9555. www.pigeonkeyartfestival.com/faq.phpFeb. 12-16: Strictly Sail Miami Boat Show, Miami.This five-day sailing event welcomes every type of sailor to enjoy shopping and test driving some of the latest sailboat designs, featuring some of builders from across the world, in an exhibit with almost 200 companies. Strictly Sail Miami is known as the catamaran capital of the world with the largest selection of catamarans of any show. At Miami Beach Convention Center, Miamarina at Bayside, and Sea Isle Marina and Yatchting Center. Admission $35 Premier Day, $20 Friday-Monday. 954-441-3220. www.miamiboatshow.comFeb. 13-14: Annual Historic House Tours, Key West.Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, this house and garden tour offers a rare opportunity to see inside some of Key West's charming tropical residences. Each tour showcases homes chosen for their contribution to the Key West community as significant historic buildings, creative renovations or examples of the Keys lifestyle. Tour participants will discover unique interiors filled with art collections and antiques as well as lush gardens and imaginatively designed outdoor living areas. Admission $30 per person. Tours available 10 a.m to 4 p.m. 305-294-9501. www.oirf.org/

Feb. 19: Third Thursday Art Walk, Islamorada. The Morada Way Third Thursday Art Walk presents local fine arts, music and culinary specialties on Feb. 19. The galleries of Morada Way are between Mile Markers 81 and 82. Event hours are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For details, visit www.fla-keys.com.

Feb. 21-22: 50th Annual Old Island Days Art Festival, Key West.The Last Key sets the scene for the 50th Annual Old Island Days Art Festival on Feb. 21-22. An outdoor, juried show on lower Whitehead and Caroline Streets in Key West's historic Old Town, it displays the work of painters, sculptors, photographers and other artists from around the U.S. and Canada. Admission is free. For information, visit www.keywestartcenter.com

Feb. 21-22: 21st Annual Street Painting Festival, Lake Worth. Visitors can watch or let their creative juices flow along with more than 400 artists that will be using the pavement as canvas to work on their creations during the 21st Annual Street Painting Festival in Downtown Lake Worth on Feb. 21-22. This year’s festival theme is movies. Musical acts entertain on the festival’s main stage in the Cultural Plaza in the heart of downtown Lake Worth. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Admission –and participation—are free. www.streetpaintingfestivalinc.org

Feb. 26 - March 1: Miami International Art Fair, Miami Beach. The Miami International Art Fair – MIA is devoted to exhibiting the most innovative and groundbreaking artworks of the 20th and 21st centuries. Showcasing the icons that broke boundaries and forged new paths in the arts alongside emerging and established living artists continuing to explore and experiment with new ideas and mediums, expanding the platform for collectors to discover new talents in the visual arts. In its sixth year the fair gathers a selection of the world's forward-thinking international galleries and local cultural institutions with an exceptional program of arts events and an educational lecture and panel series. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Friday, Saturday noon to midnight, Sunday noon-7p.m. 561-793-0333. www.mia-artfair.com

Northeast Florida (including Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Flagler County and Amelia Island)Feb. 6: First Friday Art Walk, St. Augustine.Exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments are on the agenda at more than 20 Old City art galleries during the First Friday Art Walk on Feb. 6. Parking is free after 5 p.m. everywhere except the Historic Parking Garage. Galleries are open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For details, visit www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com. Feb. 14: Artrageous Artwalk, Fernandina Beach. Held on the second Saturday of each month to open the doors of some of Amelia Island's incredible galleries, featuring photography, pottery, copper, stained glass, watercolor, acrylics and more. Participants can peruse more than a dozen galleries in downtown Fernandina Beach and at the Plantation Artists' Guild and Gallery located at Amelia Island Plantation. 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 800-226-3542. www.ameliaisland.com/calendar.aspxFeb. 14: Flight To Freedom, St. Augustine.Historic Fort Mose State Park sets the scene for Flight To Freedom on Feb. 14. Participants in this living history event will meet a number of travelers en route to Fort Mose in Spanish St. Augustine, the first legally sanctioned free black settlement in the United States. Activities will include guided tours, drumming and music and colonial weapons demonstrations. Fort Mose State Park is at 15 Fort Mose Trail. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the park is $2 per person. Children ages 5 and under are free. For details, visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose

Feb. 14-15: St. Augustine Arts & Crafts Show, St. Augustine Beach. The St. Augustine Arts & Crafts Show showcases original art by the sea on Feb. 14-15. The event is at 350 A1A Beach Boulevard. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. www.tnteventsinc.com

Feb. 28: Great Atlantic Seafood Festival, Jacksonville Beach.Family fun, arts and crafts, and, of course, lots of seafood. At Seawalk Pavilion. 904-270-9301. www.jaxbeachfestivals.comNorth-Central Florida (including Ocala, Gainesville and Tallahassee) Through Feb. 1: Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, Gainesville. Come be swept away by medieval magic as troupes of actors, street performers and musicians journey back to the days of yore. Alachua County Fairground is transformed into a bustling medieval marketplace where there is jousting on horseback, street performers and minstrels, living chess match, medieval games, and eight stages of live entertainment. Dates are Jan. 24-25 and Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Admission $17 adult, $7 for children 5-17, under 5 free. 352-334-5064. www.gvlculturalaffairs.org/website/programs_events/HMF/medieval_index.htmlFeb. 7: The Ichetucknee Time Machine, Fort White. Take a fascinating journey by van into the Ichetucknee forest and visit the site of the 17th Century Mission de San Martin de Timucua. Learn all about the ancient Timucuan capital of Aquacalyquen. We highly recommend you wear long pants, sturdy shoes and insect repellent. Begins at 9 a.m. Meet at the Head Spring Parking Lot (North Entrance) of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Regular park entrance fee, $6 per vehicle. 386-497-4690. www.floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings/Events.cfm

Feb. 13-15: Steinhatchee Fiddler Crab Festival, Steinhatchee. The Steinhatchee Fiddler Crab Festival displays original creations of artists and craftsmen on Feb. 13-15. Also on the agenda are fiddler crab races, live entertainment, bungee jumping and children’s activities. Food will be available for purchase. For information, visit steinhatcheeriverchamber.org.

The Panhandle (including Pensacola, Panama City Beach, Apalachicola and Destin)

Feb. 7: Double Bridge Race, Pensacola. A 15K course takes runners over two bridges crossing Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound from downtown to Pensacola Beach during the Pensacola Double Bridge Run on Feb. 7. Runners and walkers are also welcome at the 5K course and Kids Fun Run. The race begins at 7 a.m.; the walk, at 8:30 a.m. There are participation fees ($50 for the 15K race, $38 for the 5K run or walk), but to watch is free. www.doublebridgerun.com

Feb. 13-14: Mardi Gras At The Beach, Panama City Beach.Pier Park sets the scene for Mardi Gras At The Beach with the Krewe of Dominique Youx on Feb. 13 - Feb. 14. The celebration will include a festival and parades with such activitiess as a street dance with live bands; Cajun food, gumbo and New Orleans flair. Pier Park is at 16101 Front Beach Road. Admission is free. For details, visit www.mardigrasatthebeach.com

"Cholera — like the disease?" I wrinkle my nose as I look down on my plate with its slice of golden brown pie. Summoning his Swiss reserve, my server doesn't roll his eyes. I can almost read his mind: Must be an American.